With the holidays just a few short weeks away, now is a great time to rid your closets of clutter, excess and unwanted clothing.
Not only will you free up space by cleaning out your closets, but you also can donate those usable but unwanted items to charity, thus creating a win-win situation.
The first step is to turn all closet hangers facing the back of the closet. The next step is to physically touch each item of clothing to determine:
1. When was the last time it was worn?
2. Do you love it or hate it?
3. Does it fit?
4. Is it comfortable?
The same process should be applied to shoes.
Try on those items of which you are unsure. In doing so, you may find the fabric is irritating, there is an unsightly pucker, or the shoe pinches your toe. Identifying why you do not wear clothes or shoes makes the decision to keep, discard or donate easier. If clothes are too snug, ask yourself, realistically, if you will ever get down to your high school weight again. And if you do get to achieve that goal, will you wear it again, or would you prefer to buy new clothes to celebrate your success?
Tips for Effectively Purging Closets
• Set up three bins or stations labeled Keep, Discard and Donate.
• Focus on one closet at a time.
• Consider purchasing thin, velvet-lined hangers. They use less room than plastic hangers, and they look nice.
• Hang like with like (shirts with shirts and pants with pants).
• Discard tattered items and deliver donations to drop-off centers within two days.
Quick Tip
Questionable items of clothing should be placed in the closet with the hanger facing the opposite direction. If, after six months, the hanger is still facing backwards, it is likely you will never wear the item again.
If you find it difficult to stay on task, or need assistance organizing and purging or clearing clutter, consider hiring a professional. Professional organizers provide gentle guidance, and they share effective organizing systems.
Andrea Brundage is the owner of Simple Organized Solutions (S.O.S.), a professional organizing company based in Mesa. S.O.S. works with homeowners, business owners, retirees and winter visitors, and engages in public speaking, time management and organizing workshops, as well as radio appearances. Visit www.sos-llc.com, or call (480) 832-1085.